Australian surfer Jack Robinson has disclosed that he came perilously close to drowning in dangerous conditions while eliminating world No. 1 John John Florence from the Olympic surfing competition with an impressive victory.
Compounding the treacherous weather, which led to the cancellation of the women’s heats on Tuesday (AEST), Ethan Ewing also progressed, setting the stage for an all-Australian quarter-final showdown.
A storm system south of French Polynesia, where this year’s Olympic surfing events are being held, generated harrowing conditions in Teahupo’o.
The intensity of the waves heightened the excitement of the anticipated heat between the World Surf League’s top-ranked Robinson and third-ranked Florence.
With noticeably larger waves than earlier in the competition, the two competitors struggled to secure significant scores during the first half of their 30-minute heat.
As they chased a wave, both Robinson and Florence were swallowed by the turbulent waters and required rescue from jet skis, surfacing moments apart.
After being towed through the lagoon back to the surfing area, Robinson managed to collect himself better than his rival.
The 26-year-old made a remarkable recovery after narrowly avoiding the reef, executing a barrel ride that earned him a score of 7.17, proving pivotal in the contest.
Jack Robinson qualified for the quarter finals in incredibly dangerous conditions
Robinson said he almost drowned during the competition in Teahupo’o, French Polynesia
A second score solidified Robinson’s lead over Florence, a two-time world champion, ultimately landing him a total of 13.94 compared to the Hawaiian’s 9.07.
‘I got dragged over the reef and nearly experienced a two-wave hold down,’ Robinson recounted.
‘I didn’t have much time to breathe. It brought back memories of so many surfers who have faced serious wipeouts here.
‘Though I’ve experienced significant wipeouts, contests are different. The adrenaline is heightened and the stakes are much higher.
‘Paddling back out was a true test of my physical strength and mental resilience.’
Robinson emphasized the perilous nature of his sport.
‘Other sports take place in controlled environments, like courts or stadiums,’ he explained.
Robinson says he was dragged under and almost ‘had a two wave hold under’
‘We are in the ocean. It’s the most massive and powerful life source we have on this planet.
‘The waves possess immense power. There’s no other sport that compares to this. Perhaps it can be likened to an avalanche descending upon you on the mountains. It’s incredibly dangerous and absolutely wild.’
Florence expressed his disbelief at how the tournament draw resulted in two of the world’s premier surfers facing off so early.
‘It’s unfortunate to have to compete against Jack at this stage. One of us had to win, while the other had to lose. It’s tough,’ he said.
This outcome mirrored Robinson’s victory in the Margaret River Pro final back in April.
Not long after Robinson advanced, Ewing joined him in the quarter-finals by overcoming Australian-born Connor O’Leary, who now competes for Japan.
Their heat resembled a survival contest within the barrels, both surfers taking comical tumbles, including a particularly notable face plant from O’Leary.
‘I had some falls, but I’m thrilled it worked out in the end… I still have so much water in my ears right now. It feels great to be back on dry land,’ Ewing shared.
Selecting the right waves was crucial, and Ewing excelled in this aspect, scoring an 8.67 from a deep run and defeating O’Leary with a total of 14.17 to 11.00.
The all-Australian quarter-final implies that while neither surfer can secure a medal, at least one will have a chance to reach the final four.
‘It’s going to be exciting,’ Ewing said regarding the matchup.
‘Jack is truly pushing the limits and is among the best here, and that’s where I aspire to be. It will surely be thrilling.’
The West Australian has now set up an all-Aussie quarter final with Ethan Wing
Earlier in the day, Joao Chianca prevailed in one of the most thrilling heats in the history of Olympic surfing, edging out Morocco’s Ramzi Boukhiam with a score of 18.10 to 17.80.
Chianca’s victory grants him a place in an all-Brazilian quarter-final against Gabriel Medina.
Three of the quarter-finals will feature compatriots facing off, including Tahitian Kauli Vaast, who competes for France, against Joan Duru.
The final quarter-final will see Peru’s Alonso Correa match up against Brazil’s Reo Inaba, who advanced with a modest score of just 6.00.
Due to the postponement of the women’s round three and predictions of worsening conditions on Wednesday (AEST), it appears that surfing will have to be pushed to reserve days.
